Morley Named TSWA Defensive Player of the Week

Photo by: John Swartzel

Nov 23, 2016 | Football

Senior defensive back tallied eight tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble last Saturday.

By: Tammy DeGroff

MEMPHIS – Senior defensive back Chris Morley (Plantation, Fla./South Plantation HS) has been named the Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) Defensive Player of the Week it was announced Wednesday. He is the second Tiger defensive player to be recognized this season by the statewide association, following junior Genard Avery's honor back on October 11^th.

In a conference road win against Cincinnati on Saturday, Morley finished with eight tackles, adding a sack, a forced fumble and an interception. His hit on a Cincinnati receiver also jarred a ball loose that was intercepted by teammate Curtis Akins as Memphis sprinted out to a quick 13-0 lead in the first quarter and did not look back in a 34-7 league road win, Memphis' third conference road win of the season.

With the league road schedule now in the history books, the Tigers will close their 2016 home stand with a Friday morning, nationally-televised contest against #18/21 Houston. The 11 a.m. (CT) kick will be carried nationally on ABC and will also serve as the Tigers' senior day, honoring the 20 seniors, including Morley, who will be playing their final home game.

In recognition of Friday's Black Friday shopping tag, the Memphis Athletic Department has employed Black Friday pricing of its own, with tickets available online until 11:59 p.m. Thursday night (Thanksgiving night) for just $10. Chair back seats are available for just $20 for the Tigers' final home appearance in 2016, which is expected to be played in 60-degree weather. Tickets can be purchased at www.GoTigersGoTix.com.

The 2016 senior class has won 29 games in the blue and gray, the fifth most for a four-year period in Memphis history behind the 1963 class (33 wins), and the 1950, 1962 and 1964 (30 wins) classes. The Tigers are going to a bowl game for a third consecutive season for just the second time in program history. The last time was the 2003, 2004 and 2005 seasons.

Morley and his 19 senior teammates will be honored on the field starting at 10:30 a.m. The 2016 senior class features Drew Bishop, Latarius Brady, Jake Elliott, Lenard Harden, Daniel Hurd, Deandre Jordan, Chauncey Lanier, Arthur Maulet, DeMarco Montgomery, Daniel Montiel, Trevor Morgan, Chris Morley, Dontrell Nelson, Tye Northern, Jahmahl Pardner, Donald Pennington, Chris Roberson, B.J. Ross, Jason Stewart and Tearris Wallace.